I understand English but I can’t speak. Where do I start?

Take the 3-minute level test, then go to Practice → Speaking. Every lesson ends with a timed speaking challenge.

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Is it for children or adults?

Both. Kids Level 1 and 2 use pictures and stories; Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced work for students, adults and professionals.

Advanced › Grammar

Advanced 📝 Grammar

Wish & if only

Express regrets and wishes about the present, the past and other people’s behaviour.

1Learn

Goal: Express regrets and wishes about the present, the past and other people’s behaviour.

Wish about the present uses the past tense: “I wish I had more time” (but I don’t). Wish about the past uses the past perfect: “I wish I had studied harder” (but I didn’t). Wish + would complains about something someone keeps doing: “I wish you would stop interrupting.” If only is the same, stronger. Note: I wish I were (formal), never ‘I wish I will’.

2Examples

I wish I lived near the beach.Present — past tense

I wish I had taken that job.Past — past perfect

If only I had listened to Amma.

I wish it would stop raining.Complaint about a situation

I wish he wouldn’t drive so fast.Complaint about a person

I wish I were taller.Formal were

3Common mistakes

I wish I will have a car.

I wish I had a car.

I wish I have studied.

I wish I had studied.

I wish I would be rich.

I wish I were rich. — don’t use would for yourself

4Practice quiz

Question 1 of 5Multiple choice

I wish I ___ speak French.

5Speaking challenge

Speaking challenge

Say 3 wishes about the present, 2 regrets about the past, and 1 ‘I wish you would…’ complaint.

0:30

Say it out loud. Nobody is listening — that’s the point. Mistakes are allowed.

Finish this lesson

Do the practice quiz above, then mark it complete.

Next: Advanced vocabulary →